Monica Marie Szwast

Monica Marie Szwast, 81, of Tinley Park, Illinois, passed away on Friday, January 30th, 2026, after a long battle with vascular dementia. She will be remembered for her deep faith, kind heart, creative spirit, and strong will.

Born on May 4, 1944 in Chicago, Monica was one of three children of Frank and Lottie (Wolframski) Szwast. She grew up in the West Pullman neighborhood, where her faith and love of learning began to take root. After graduating from Assumption BVM Elementary School and Mother of Sorrows High School, Monica entered religious formation and began the process of becoming a Catholic nun, reaching the level of Novitiate.

She ultimately discovered her calling in education, where she could share both her faith and her compassion. Monica attended Loyola University Chicago and began her teaching career as a junior high educator at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Elementary School in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood. She later taught at St. George School in Tinley Park, St. Bridget School in Hobart, Indiana, and Plainfield North High School. Throughout her career, Monica created classrooms where students felt valued, safe and encouraged to grow.

Later in life, she continued her work in education by teaching part time at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights and Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, often focusing on ESL (English as a Second Language). Monica touched countless lives with her empathy and unwavering belief in her students’ potential.

Outside of her professional life, Monica found joy in life’s quieter moments. She loved reading, listening to music, and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts. A talented cake decorator, she delighted family and friends with her beautifully crafted desserts. She also had a special place in her heart for animals and lovingly rescued and cared for many Chihuahuas over the years. Ever devoted to her faith community, Monica served as a communion minister at St. Julie Billiart Parish in Tinley Park.

Monica is survived by her four nieces, Michelle Szwast Malkusak (Ed), Deborah Szwast, Maria Szwast Pelley (Chris), and Cari Szwast Braasch, as well as her sister-in-law, Karen Lerner Szwast, and extended family members Michael and Becky Lerner. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Robert and Alan Szwast.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, from 9:00 AM until time of the funeral service at St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Catholic Church, 17500 South 84th Avenue, Tinley Park, Illinois. Burial will follow immediately after at Good Shepherd Cemetery, 16201 S. 104th Avenue, Orland Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or a local pet rescue organization in Monica’s honor.